Montemuro, Mountain chain and protected area in Norte and Centro regions, Portugal
Montemuro is a mountain range extending between the Douro River to the north and the Paiva River to the south, with its highest point reaching about 1400 meters. The chain displays varied terrain including open moorlands, forested areas, and river gorges carved through the landscape.
Evidence of human settlement dates back to the Iron Age, with numerous villages distributed across the slopes up to about 1100 meters elevation. This extended human presence has shaped the landscape across millennia.
Shepherds move their flocks to mountain pastures from early July until mid-August, following practices that have shaped life here for centuries. This seasonal movement remains visible in the rhythm of local communities today.
The mountain offers various trails and routes for walking and exploring, with marked paths ranging from easy to challenging options. The best time to visit is during drier seasons when the trails are in better condition.
Geographer Amorim Girão identified the range as Portugal's least explored mountain chain, featuring an uncommon mix of sparse high terrain and lush river valleys. This contrast between barren peaks and green valleys creates an unexpected juxtaposition within the same landscape.
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